MECHANICAL LAB

Powertech’s Mechanical Lab has extensive experience in many areas of mechanical testing— from research and development to consulting and failure analysis.

AREAS OF FOCUS

The lab works closely with clients in the electric utility, automotive, electronics, and other industries to verify the performance of prototypes in advance of product release and also conduct failure analyses when problems arise.

Tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of a wide variety of materials, components, and systems, including testing for vibration/shock, environmental, combined vibration and environmental (HALT/HASS), tension, compression, and impact, to simulate in-service conditions or other specifications. Tests are typically conducted according to industry standards set by ANSI, ASTM, CEA, CSA, DNV, IEC, IEEE, ISO, and others. Custom, non-standard tests are a specialty.

On-site mechanical field investigations of equipment and structures such as hydroelectric installations, rotating machinery, and bridges are also available. With its long history in the industry, the Mechanical Technology and Testing Group can utilize its R&D skills to help clients determine what tests to conduct and, if necessary, to develop new advanced test methods.

The Mechanical Lab also conducts integrated test programs through collaboration with Powertech’s in-house High Voltage, High Current, High Power, Applied Materials, and Asset Management Labs.

+ Capabilities→

Vibration and Shock

Unholtz-Dickie Electro-Dynamic vibration table

Ling Dynamics Electro-Dynamic vibration table

Environment

Envirotronics environmental chamber

Custom walk-in environmental chamber

Tensile, Compression, Fatigue, Impact and Structural

Tinius Olsen test frame

Satec impact tester

Instron Servo hydraulic dynamic testing equipment

MTS Criterion electromechanical test equipment

Long bed tensile load frame

Floor anchor pads

+ Services→

Research and Development

Develop and demonstrate new, advanced test methods

Testing

Vibration and shock—vibration testing up to 13,500 lbf; shock testing up to 118 g